Warehouse Librarian increases space utilization by matching the cube size attribute of a stock item received, with the cube size attribute of the put away location. It also sets the stage for increased picking productivity by matching the picking velocity attribute of a stock item receipt with velocity attribute of the storage location. This insures the most frequently picked stock is stored in the prime locations where it can be quickly picked. Of course, unless you have the diagnostic tools to "tune" the system when necessary, even the best slotted system would slowly lose efficiency as new stock items are added and velocities change. To keep your warehouse operating at peak efficiency, Warehouse Librarian tracks and maintains the historical velocity and volume of each stock item. This enables items to be moved to locations appropriate to their new velocity and cube requirements.

Initial Slotting ServiceIntek offers an Initial Slotting Service which enables you to configure your storage media to match your inventory usage. The Initial Slotting is typically used to set the stage for a Warehouse Librarian implementation, however many customers have realized the benefit of slotting without automation.

The Stock Item Profile considers cube size, velocity, receipt quantities, pick quantities, units of measure, dimensions, pick face period of supply, special user defined attributes such as heavy, flammable and any special requirements which may apply. The Initial Slotting defines the velocity and cube size attributes for each stock item and storage location to achieve the maximum benefit from the operation.

In addition to the velocity profiling, the Slotting Analysis improves several other key operational criteria.

Pick Face Cube Size - The size of a pick face is critical for achieving maximum productivity and space utilization. If a pick face is too small, more frequent replenishment is necessary and the risk of an empty pick face increases. If the pick face is too large, it takes up space better used for other stock. Sizing pick faces in terms of "period of supply" makes replenishment predictable. For each stock item, the periodic usage multiplied by the product dimensions determines the minimum cube required. Of course, the pick face size should be rounded up to common sizes, so that stock items can be easily re-slotted as conditions change.

Overstock Cube Size - To optimize space utilization, overstock should be stored dynamically in slots appropriate to the cube size required. An analysis of stock item usage determines the optimal overstock cube sizes required for each stock item. From the stock item usage, a set of common overstock cube sizes can be selected which match your inventory profile.

Distribution of Overstock Cubes - The distribution of these common overstock cube sizes throughout your facility should match your overall inventory profile. Velocity and any special attributes, such as weight or hazardous material, must also be considered when distributing these common slot sizes. Remember, the intent of this analysis is to have the right size slot, in the right area, enabling high velocity stock to be stored in the prime locations to increase picking productivity and space utilization.